What's Jesus doing?

 

Luke 7:18-20

In Luke's gospel, other than Jesus' baptism, there is no direct interaction between John and Jesus. Now, we know John baptized Jesus. For one, that's what John was doing. Secondly, there are other gospel accounts of Jesus' baptism that tell us so. Notice, though, Luke's text doesn't say specifically John baptized the Lord. Again, there's no direct interaction between the two cousins. Maybe that helps account for John's worry. John was in jail and sent his disciples to ask Jesus a question. "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to expect someone else" (Luke 7:21)? In other words, have I wasted my time with you? Am I in jail for someone who isn't who I thought he was? Have you ever wondered the same or struggled with a similar question? Jesus inaugurated his ministry by quoting from the prophet Isaiah. One of the signs of the Spirit's anointing Isaiah saw was that Messiah would "proclaim release to the captives" (Luke 3:18). Well, John is a captive. Where's his proclamation? Jesus answers John by asking John's disciples to share what they have seen and heard. What Isaiah once saw is now happening, and then some! Even though it wouldn't happen for John, it was happening. That is was happening was a sign to the people of God's justice. The forgotten, the marginalized and the nobodies were experiencing God's grace in a way they didn't now was possible. That was John's answer. Much of ministry success today looks for different answers. Have we met the budget? Have we filled a few more pews? Is everyone happy with what we're doing? We're convinced God is moving if we can answer yes. But isn't the Spirit's anointing meant for so much more? Don't you want to see the nobodies know Jesus? Don't you want people to know the freedom and power of God's grace? If you believe Jesus is Messiah, look for how it's already happening and pray you can share in his  kingdom ministry. You may have to learn something new, do something new or even become something new. But you'll see the Spirit's work in a more profound way. Stay blessed...john